PURPOSE: This study examined parameters derived from both an incremental step-wise and ramp-wise graded rowing exercise test in relation to rowing performance. METHODS: Discontinuous step-wise incremental rowing to exhaustion established lactate threshold (LT), maximum oxygen consumption (VO2maxSTEP) and power associated with VO2max (W VO2max). A further continuous ramp-wise test was undertaken to derive ventilatory threshold (VT), maximum oxygen consumption VO2maxRAMP) and the maximum minute power (MMW). Results were compared to maximal 2000-m ergometer time trial power. RESULTS: The strongest correlation with 2000-m power was observed for MMW (r=0.98, P< 0.001), followed by W VO2max, (r=0.96; P<0.001). The difference between MMW and W VO2max when compared to the mean of MMW/W VO2max showed a widening bias with a greater difference coincident with greater power. However, this bias was reduced when expressed as a ratio term and when a baseline VO2 was accounted for. There were no differences (P=0.85) between measures of VO2maxSTEP and VO2maxRAMP, but rather the measures showed strong association (r=0.97, P<0.001, Limits of agreement = -0.43 to 0.33 L.min-1). The power at LT and VT did not differ (P=0.6), and a significant association was observed (r=0.73, P=0.001, LA = -54.3 to +20.2 W, SEE = 26.1). CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that MMW, demonstrates a strong association with ergometer rowing performance and thus may have potential as an influential monitoring tool for rowing athletes.